The Great Indoors: Beat the heat this summer with five indoor spots for family fun

Many of us spend much of our summers outdoors, soaking in the sunshine. But for those who aren’t too keen on the constant layer of sweat on their skin, we’re offering five indoor alternatives to some good ol’ fashioned (and air conditioned) family fun. These are the perfect spots to visit when your kids claim, “I’m boooooooored!” or their sunburn needs a break.

No one has to melt in the dog days of summer. Enjoy these new experiences instead!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center 

Located at Easton Town Center, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is an outright oasis for LEGO® enthusiasts of all ages. It features interactive rides, a 4D cinema, building workshops, and MINILAND®—a miniature replica of Columbus built from LEGO® bricks! (Can you identify all the landmarks?)

This is the spot for kids and adults alike to reach deep into their creativity, bond with their families, and have a lot of fun with one of the most famous brands in history. After all, you’re never too old for LEGOs®!

Scene75 

Who needs to be outside in the heat to enjoy an amusement park?

Scene75 is an indoor entertainment complex inside the Mall at Tuttle Crossing, offering a variety of attractions including go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, mini-golf, bumper cars, and more. Whether it’s the thrill of their indoor roller coaster, competing in one of their many interactive games, or even celebrating a loved ones birthday party here, your family is sure to have a blast.

Get Air Trampoline Park 

This Hilliard destination at 3708 Fishinger Blvd. features wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and a ninja obstacle course. If parents need a place where their kids can burn off all that excess energy, then this is the place to wear them out.

There are foam pits to dive into, dodgeball courts for friendly competition, and even a ninja obstacle course to test agility and strength.

Get Air also features special areas for toddlers, ensuring safe fun for the youngest jumpers. (Definitely a relief for parents!)

If you want a fun cardio workout that will satisfy and exhaust your kids, then get to Get Air!

Columbus Museum of Art 

If you think this is just a stuffy, boring museum, you’re in for a big surprise. The Columbus Museum of Art, at 480 E. Broad St., is a great spot for family fun.

The Wonder Room is a unique, interactive gallery designed specifically for kids that encourages creativity and exploration through hands-on activities and imaginative play. The museum also offers Family Adventures tours.

Adventures? In an art museum? Believe it or not, it’s true! And wouldn’t it be incredible if your kids end up thinking Monet or Picasso are kind of cool?

COSI (Center of Science and Industry) 

Since opening its doors in 1964, COSI, at 333 W. Broad St, has been a staple of family fun across generations. 

The science museum offers hands-on exhibits, live shows, a planetarium, and special exhibitions such as “TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition,” currently running until September. Let’s not forget “Farm Days,” where you can learn about how the food we eat every day is harvested!

Despite its years of existence, COSI remains a go-to for families looking to explore the wonders of science in an engaging environment. They also host events like COSI After Dark for adults looking to rediscover their inner child.

This story originally appeared in our August 2024 issue. You can read the entire thing here:

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new May issue here!